Documenting Plants Used for Treating Infantile Eela in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, Nigeria: An Ethno-pharmacological Survey

Traditional medicine plays an important role in the management of infantile skin disorders in many developing countries. This study investigates the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISDs) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Sixty (60) structured questionnaires were administered to herb sellers, nursing mothers, and traditional medical practitioners. The results revealed that majority of respondents were females (85%), between 18–40 years (45%), followed by those above 60 years (30%). Knowledge of infantile seborrheic dermatitis was universal among respondents (100%), and 95% reported awareness of herbal remedies used for its treatment. Indigenous knowledge of herbal medicine was largely inherited from parents (85%). A total of fifteen medicinal plants were identified for the management of ISDs. Trees constituted the dominant habit form (73%), while leaves were the most frequently used plant parts (50%). The most common preparation methods were cooking (47%) and decoction (35%), while water (86%) was the primary solvent used. Bathing was the predominant mode of application (72%). The findings highlight the importance of traditional medicinal plants in infant health care and emphasize the need for further phytochemical and pharmacological validation of these plants.